Refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle refrigerators lack modularity, flexibility in configuration, and user-adjustable features, such as variable freezer compartments and dual-directional drawer openings, which are essential for enhanced usability and adaptability to various vehicle designs.

Innovation Solution

A modular refrigerator system comprising independently constructed cooling and refrigeration modules with a common cooling unit, adjustable freezer compartments, dual-directional drawers, and innovative connection mechanisms like dovetail slots and clamping devices for flexible assembly and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional non-modular refrigerator design is used, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the adaptability to various vehicle designs and configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to vehicle designsVSAvoidmodular system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerator is divided into separate modular components including a cooling unit module and one or more refrigeration modules that can be independently constructed and assembled. This segmentation enables the system to be configured in different arrangements to suit various vehicle designs while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling unit module is designed as a universal component that can selectively provide refrigerant to multiple different refrigeration modules. This multi-functionality allows a single cooling unit design to serve various refrigeration configurations, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed freezer compartment size is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the user-adjustable storage options are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-adjustable storage optionsVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The freezer compartment incorporates a movable divider that allows users to dynamically adjust the compartment size and configuration based on storage needs. This dynamic element enables variable storage options without requiring multiple fixed-size compartment designs, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing user adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a single-direction drawer opening mechanism is used, then the mechanical structure is simpler, but the ease of operation from multiple vehicle locations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess from multiple locationsVSAvoiddual-directional mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drawer assembly employs asymmetric latching mechanisms on opposite sides of the drawer, allowing the drawer to be opened from either the front or rear of the vehicle. This asymmetric design enables dual-directional access while using relatively simple latching components that can be engaged or disengaged from either direction, balancing ease of operation with mechanical simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Use of energy by moving object

If a non-insulated housing is used, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the thermal efficiency and energy consumption are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is constructed as a composite structure with an outer shell and inner liner separated by thermal insulation material. This composite construction provides effective thermal insulation to reduce energy consumption while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through modular assembly of the insulated housing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides customizable configurations, adjustable storage options, and enhanced usability, allowing better fitment in vehicles with complex shapes and improved user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one cooling unit module may be a common cooling unit module for selectively providing a refrigerant to the first and second refrigeration modules

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Each of the first and second refrigeration modules may include an insulated housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS12440024B2Refrigerator

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 THETFORD BV

AI summary

A modular refrigerator includes a plurality of modules with at least one cooling unit module and at least one refrigeration module. The at least one cooling unit module and the at least one refrigeration module are independently constructed and secured to one another. The at least one refrigeration module may include at least a first refrigeration module and a second refrigeration modules. The at least one cooling unit module may be a common cooling unit module for selectively providing a refrigerant to the first and second refrigeration modules.